Family asks community to support woman accused of putting baby in dumpster

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RICHMOND, Va (WTVR) - Dressed in an orange and white striped jail suit, ShaVaughn Robinson, 27, appeared via video conferencing inside a courtroom at the Oliver Hill Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court in Richmond on Thursday. Robinson asked Judge Marilynn Goss for a public defender and was appointed attorney Po Chau.

Judge Goss denied bond for Robinson. The judge said the court was anticipating more charges to be filed against the woman. Robinson is already charged with felony concealment of a body.

Detectives said Robinson gave birth inside the Lee Medical Center, where she works, before discarding the newborn in a dumpster behind the building.

"My jaw dropped to the ground," cousin William Robinson said about the allegations. "I don't believe it's in her character she wouldn't be capable of doing this."

William Robinson, along with ShaVaughn's mother and three other family members were inside the courtroom Thursday for the first hearing. William said he never knew his cousin was even pregnant.

"I didn't notice the times I did see her," he said. "I didn't see her I didn't see anything that would make her stand out like she was pregnant."

He added, his cousin worked two jobs to support her 4-year-old son.

"She was hustling and bustling," William exclaimed. "She was doing exactly what a mother would do for her son."

William said the family will not pass judgement on ShaVaughn until more details emerge. He said he hoped the community would do the same.

"I just want her to be strong. I hope the community can show some support," William said. "I'm honestly thinking I'm just having a bad nightmare right now. We are trying our best, but as far as it goes only God and ShaVaughn know the truth on what happened."

ShaVaughn Robinson's preliminary hearing has been set for June 12 at 2:15.